Life Lessons from the Movies: Michael Clayton
Posted on July 22, 2008
Filed Under Time Management |
George Clooney portrays a high powered New York City attorney, known in his firm simply as the “fixer” in the 2007 movie Michael Clayton. Clooney unravels a major cover up in a multi-billion dollar class action suite which is linked to the murder of at least one other lawyer and leads to the bombing of Clooney’s car. This plot seems a bit far fetched but it is clearly meant to make you think about the growing exposure of corporate corruption seen in the world. Not that corruption is a new thing, but it seems to be brought to the forefront of the media more and this movie is no different.
Aside from the idea of corruption the movie illustrates how important it is to cultivate strong relationships in the business world. As the firm’s fixer Clooney is called into all sorts of situations and he is clearly a people person. It seems that everywhere he goes he knows someone and has a connection to somebody. He helps people out and down the road they repay the favor when he is in a bind. As you watch Clooney wheel and deal throughout the movie it reminds you how important it is to stay connected with people you meet, do favors, repay favors and treat people who work for you well. If you keep employees and clients satisfied they will generally always be on your side. It is also important every time you meet someone to make a strong impression and remember their name because you may never know when they can help you out down the road. As Clooney shows in this movie business is often more about who you know and how you treat them than what you know. So if you are looking for a good flick packed with corruption, business and suspense that really makes you think go rent Michael Clayton. I bet you will pick up a thing or two about building relationships.
-Charles
Comments
Leave a Reply
